Reds' Matt McLain Begins Rehab Assignment

McLain followed that solid outing with another encouraging performance on Saturday. Batting second and serving as the designated hitter, he went 2-for-4 with a single, a double, and scored a run.

McLain has not played since July 7 after being placed on the 10-day injured list on July 10, retroactive to July 8, with a left calf strain.

The offensive production in consecutive rehab games is an encouraging sign for McLain, who has struggled mightily at the plate this season.

Through 83 games, McLain is slashing just .190/.293/.328 with eight home runs, 25 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.

His struggles are disappointing considering how well he performed during Spring Training. Over 18 games, McLain slashed a scorching .509/.559/.981 with seven home runs and 16 RBI.

McLain looked poised to return to the form he showed in 2023, when he slashed .290 with an .864 OPS, 16 home runs, and 50 RBI over 89 games before his season ended prematurely because of a right oblique strain.

However, since that stellar rookie campaign, McLain has been unable to replicate that level of production or become the offensive force the Reds expected him to be.

He missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a left shoulder injury during Spring Training that required surgery.

In 2025, McLain appeared in 147 games but slashed .220/.300/.343 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI. His 28.9 percent strikeout rate ranked in the sixth percentile in MLB.

While that mark has slightly improved to 26.9 percent in 2026, his batting average has fallen below the Mendoza line.

Yet once McLain returns from injury, he could be a consistent presence in Cincinnati's lineup despite his offensive struggles. The Reds currently own a 48-55 record, sit last in the National League Central, and are six games out of a Wild Card spot.

Given their position in the standings, Cincinnati could opt to be a seller ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. The Reds already have plenty of young talent at the major league level, making pending free agents and expiring contracts their most logical trade candidates.

If Cincinnati moves veteran bats such as Tyler Stephenson, Nathaniel Lowe, or Eugenio Suárez, McLain will likely see even more playing time.

For now, though, his focus remains on continuing to produce during his rehab assignment, building offensive momentum, and carrying it into the majors once he returns.